POLICY & POLITICS
The Maddy Institute
Maddy Associates Luncheon Speaker Series: September 13, Robert Maxim, Senior Research Associate in the Brookings Metropolitan Policy Program, will discuss how regional public universities can have a large role in economic growth.
Appeals court rules against Valley ozone plan
Bakersfield Californian
Federal approval of a 2019 contingency measure for cutting ozone emissions in the Central Valley has been rejected by an appellate court, which called the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's acceptance of the provision "arbitrary and capricious."
See also:
● The Air Quality Index Explained: What It Means and How to Stay Safe New York Times
Newsom recall basics: How to vote in California’s election
CalMatters
A FAQ on the California election on whether to recall Gov. Gavin Newsom.
See also:
● Key Recall Dates in San Joaquin Valley Counties
● Recall Ballot Tracking
North SJ Valley:
COVID Update:
● 1,000 new COVID-19 cases in Stanislaus; short staffing, crowding lead to long ER waits Modesto Bee
● Health officials urge COVID-19 vaccination as hospital rates grow Turlock Journal
● Modesto mayor says she has tested positive for COVID-19, will work at home until well Modesto Bee
● Editorial: Modesto Mayor Sue Zwahlen: `I would be more sick if I hadn’t gotten COVID vaccine’ Modesto Bee
Infrastructure bill will help Valley store water, fix roads
Turlock Journal
The $1 trillion federal infrastructure package is being touted as a victory for the country’s roads, water storage, internet capabilities and public works systems, but how will it benefit Turlock?
See also:
● Council will hear road plans during mid-week Special Meeting Turlock Journal
Central SJ Valley:
COVID Update:
● Fresno doctors baffled by patients’ COVID skepticism, belief in unproven ‘cures’ amid surge Fresno Bee
● What does the continuing summer COVID surge look like in Fresno, Valley? Here’s the data Fresno Bee
● August among worst months for COVID transmission in the Fresno region as surge continues Fresno Bee
● Editorial: Some Fresno residents use a livestock drug to self-treat COVID. That is so ridiculous Fresno Bee
Fresno County registrar sees big return of mail-in recall ballots. What does that tell us?
Fresno Bee
The Fresno County Clerk and Registrar of Voters has received more than 90,000 ballots through Monday morning in the recall election of Gov. Gavin Newsom.
See also:
● How to track your ballot in California’s recall election of Gov. Gavin Newsom Fresno Bee
Compromise is most likely outcome in Fresno rezone case. Here’s what we know
Fresno Bee
Even before the Fresno Planning Commission meets on Wednesday to review the resubmitted petition for an industrial rezoning in southwest Fresno, it is generally believed that whatever decision the commission reaches will not be the final say in the matter.
City of Fresno works to revitalize downtown by tackling vacant buildings, businesses not up to code
abc30
After a vacant building ordinance was implemented in August, the city has started putting vacant building owners on notice. The owners have been given information on what will be expected of them as inspections are set to begin in September.
Fresno rent prices continue to soar in August, report says
abc30
Rent prices continue to climb in Fresno, with the city seeing a 1.4% rise in August. In August, the average for a one-bedroom apartment was $1,141. Over the past year, Fresno rent prices have grown 24.1%.
Terry Slatic accuses Fresno school leaders of failing to protect teachers, violating laws
Fresno Bee
In a statement to reporters, Trustee Terry Slatic said he filed a formal complaint with the Fresno County District Attorney’s Public Integrity Unit, accusing Superintendent Bob Nelson and four trustees of violating California education laws related to student privacy.
Madera County residents and farmers face groundwater challenge of a lifetime
Fresno Bee
Madera County is running out of time as groundwater levels plummet to new depths. Wells are going dry everywhere. Drillers have months-long waitlists. Residents are scrambling for water tanks.
Kings to hold third redistricting hearing 10 a.m. Tuesday
Hanford Sentinel
Kings County will hold the last public hearing before the release of draft redistricting during next Tuesday’s board meeting at 10 a.m., allowing residents to make testimony on communities or interest and learn about mapping tools.
Tulare will see federal funding, plans to boost infrastructure and address homelessness
Visalia Times Delta
Tulare County received $90.5 million from ARPA, some of which will go to Tulare. Tulare has already received 50 percent of $18 million, all part of the $1.9 trillion coronavirus relief plan, which provides $65.1 billion in direct funding to every county in the nation.
Study: Proposed Biden tax plan would cut taxes for average Tulare County taxpayer
Visalia Times Delta
The average taxpayer in the three Congressional Districts that comprise parts of Tulare County would see a decrease in taxes if President Joe Biden’s tax plan passes, a study by the Tax Foundation has found.
South SJ Valley:
COVID Update:
● Kern Public Health: Five new COVID deaths, 564 new cases reported Bakersfield Californian
Faulconer stresses experience in government during campaign stop in Bakersfield
Bakersfield Californian
Republican gubernatorial candidate Kevin Faulconer visited Bakersfield on Friday for a campaign event. As the election enters its final weeks, he stressed his political experience as well as his success in reducing homelessness while mayor of San Diego.
McCarthy says GOP 'will not forget' if firms hand records to Jan. 6 panel
The Hill
House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy (R-Calif.) said Tuesday that Republicans “will not forget” if telecommunications companies turn phone and email records over to the House committee investigating the Jan. 6 attack on the Capitol.
See also:
● Kevin McCarthy, Marjorie Taylor Greene Threaten Telecoms Not To Give Data to 1/6 Committee Newsweek
Los Angeles Times
A company owned by House Majority Leader Kevin McCarthy’s in-laws won more than $7 million in no-bid and other federal contracts at U.S. military installations and other government properties in California based on a dubious claim of Native American identity by McCarthy’s brother-in-law.
State:
COVID Update:
● COVID in California: Highly mutated C.1.2 variant may be more infectious, report says San Francisco Chronicle
● 80% of eligible Californians at least partially vaccinated Associated Press
● ‘Momentous occasion’ as 80% statewide have gotten at least one vaccine dose Los Angeles Times
● Democratic lawmakers drop idea for a California statewide vaccine mandate Los Angeles Times
● Top California law enforcement agencies report vaccination rates far lower than public The Guardian
● Counties with highest COVID-19 infection rates in California Slater
Californians are returning their recall ballots. Here’s who is voting so far
Sacramento Bee
Polls say Gov. Gavin Newsom has a slim lead over those who want to remove him, but nothing is certain until all the votes are counted. Democratic ballots make up the majority of returns so far, according to ballot tracking from Political Data Inc.
See also:
● **What Voters Should Know About the Newsom Recall New York Times
● Who’s voted so far in the California recall? Lots of Democrats, few young people Los Angeles Times
● Newsom recall: 17% of California voters have already returned ballots Visalia Times Delta
● Drop off or in person? Where to vote in the California recall election Los Angeles Times
● California spending big money to get out the recall vote AP
● Latest Polls Of The California Recall Election FiveThirtyEight
● Recall Idea Got Its Start in L.A. in 1898 Los Angeles Times
● The Tale of California’s Recall Election New York Times
● Commentary: The replacement election in the recall is unnecessary; here’s why CalMatters
● Recall fact and fiction: What you need to know about the election fraud rumors you’re seeing CalMatters
● What California’s Recall Election Says About America The Atlantic
● Recall puts elections chief in political pickle CalMatters
● Dems sweat Latino turnout in California recall Politico
● Editorial: The recall election is a new chance for anti-reformers’ old lies about ‘soft on crime’ California Los Angeles Times
● Op-Ed: The Sweep: You win some, you Newsom American Enterprise Institute
● Gavin Newsom warns California could turn into Florida or Texas on COVID if recall succeeds Sacramento Bee
California Gov. Newsom is taking cues from a Tea Party darling to fight the recall Los Angeles Times
In his fight to keep his political life afloat, Gov. Gavin Newsom has staked his future on how well he can emulate a budget-slashing tea party darling: former Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker.
See also:
● California Democrats have long counted on Latino voters. Will they stick with Gavin Newsom now? Sacramento Bee
● Newsom’s stimulus left out many retirees, veterans and disabled Californians. Will they vote to recall him? CalMatters
● Are young voters the key to Gavin Newsom surviving the recall? CalMatters
● Walters: If recalled, what’s next for Gavin Newsom? CalMatters
● Hollywood Throws Weight Behind Gavin Newsom as California Governor Fights Recall Election Newsweek
Editorial: Meet the lesser-known California recall candidates
Los Angeles Times
By now, many Californians have heard about Larry Elder, John Cox and Kevin Paffrath, three of the 46 candidates seeking to replace Gov. Gavin Newsom in a special recall election that will conclude on Sept. 14.
See also:
● Kevin Faulconer has the resume. But can a ‘vanilla’ Republican win the California recall race? Los Angeles Times
● The top candidates running to replace Gov. Newsom in the California recall election CNN
● GOP's Larry Elder looks for shock win in California recall Bakersfield Californian
● Everything you need to know about Larry Elder Los Angeles Times
● California Democrats alarmed as GOP's Elder threatens Newsom AP
● California recall contender Larry Elder makes claim that young people don't need Covid-19 vaccines CNN Politics
With COVID-19 infections rising, recall candidates say they would lead differently than Newsom
Los Angeles Times
Gov. Gavin Newsom’s statewide orders in response to the COVID-19 pandemic in California made him a favorite target of conservative critics, including those vying to replace him as governor, who view him as a symbol of heavy-handed Democratic leadership.
See also:
● Here’s how the recall candidates say they’d boost housing production in California Los Angeles Times
State stimulus checks arrive in Californians’ bank accounts ahead of recall election
Los Angeles Times
As California continues the slow recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic that shut down many businesses last year, new $600 state stimulus checks have begun arriving in the bank accounts of residents who earn up to $75,000 annually, to help them get back on their feet.
Bills to increase housing density in California head to Newsom
San Francisco Chronicle
Gov. Gavin Newsom will decide whether to loosen zoning rules in California to allow duplexes and lot splitting in residential neighborhoods across the state.
See also:
● As bill on deporting freed inmates hits CA Senate, Navy vet in Newman shares experience Modesto Bee
California Supreme Court Narrows Coverage of Prevailing Wage Law
AALRR
The Supreme Court clarified that the statutory definition of "public work" generally is limited to work on fixed structures and land, and not rolling stock. Separately, the Supreme Court held “public work” must be expressly defined under the Labor Code.
Event: 2021 Speaker Series on California's Future
PPIC
A panel of top political journalists will talk about the recall process and explore the implications of the election and its outcome.
League of California Cities statement in response to passage of Senate Bill 9
Public CEO
“We are disappointed in the passage of SB 9 and urge Governor Newsom to veto this flawed legislation. SB 9 empowers developers, usurps local democracy, silences community voices, and fails to guarantee affordable housing.
Federal:
COVID Update:
● CDC vaccine panel: Let regulators lead on Covid-19 booster shots Politico
● Axios-Ipsos poll: Vaccine hesitancy may be crumbling Axios
● Pandemic will push U.S. mortality up through 2023, new government report predicts Washington Post
● Number of Americans opposed to getting a COVID vaccine reaches new low, poll finds Fresno Bee
As a tough month ends, President Biden faces a critical period
Los Angeles Times
Pelosi had just engineered a unanimous vote by the chamber’s Democrats to move forward on President Biden‘s domestic program — legislation that Washington’s conventional wisdom repeatedly had declared dead.
Opinion: Let a Biden Reappraisal Include Antitrust
Wall Street Journal
Ms. Khan, now 32, made her name with a 2017 law-student article arguing that Amazon should be broken up because it should be broken up. Now she’s getting to put her urges to work, first with Facebook, and we can already anticipate the results.
Even voters who like Kamala Harris worry about her future
Los Angeles Times
Susan Giffen, a Democratic voter who lives in one of the nation’s most important political swing districts, said Vice President Kamala Harris is savvy, asks perceptive questions and would make a good president.
See also:
● What does America think of Kamala Harris? Los Angeles Times
Column: Don’t attack the Supreme Court for Congress’ failure on the COVID eviction crisis
Los Angeles Times
In a major victory for constitutional norms, the Supreme Court overturned a lawless and essentially authoritarian policy of the Trump administration and progressives are furious. You read that right.
See also:
· Texas Abortion Law Takes Effect Pending Supreme Court Action Wall Street Journal
· The Supreme Court Has a Chance to Blunt the Union Scheme to Defy It National Review
A return to debt ceiling drama?
American Enterprise Institute
As of August 1, we are taking “extraordinary measures” to free up cash to meet our obligations because the suspension of the nation’s debt ceiling adopted during the Trump administration has expired.
5 things to know about the voting rights bill named for John Lewis
Roll Call
A Democratic measure to restore key provisions of the Voting Rights Act is fueling an intense advocacy push, including high-profile marches over the weekend in Washington and other cities. Some of the bill’s provisions remain little understood, however.
Other:
Fresno State Institute for Media and Public Trust
Look past your personal political biases. This is crucial in sorting out news content. We often believe the worst about people or politicians we despise.
Census may have undercounted Asian, Latino, renters and those living in poverty, new study says
Long Beach Post
Larger than normal undercounts of immigrants, renters and others skewed this year’s Census count, a new analysis by UCLA shows, with researchers blaming the pandemic and the Trump Administration’s threat of a “citizenship” question.
MADDY INSTITUTE PUBLIC POLICY PROGRAMMING
Sunday, September 5, at 10 a.m on ABC30 – Maddy Report: "State Auditor's Report: Evaluating Affordable Housing Programs" - Guest: California State Auditor Elaine Howle; John Myers - LA Times; Dan Walters - CalMatters. Host: Maddy Institute Executive Director, Mark Keppler.
Sunday, September 5, at 10 a.m. on Newstalk 580AM/105.9FM (KMJ) – Maddy Report - Valley Views Edition: “Building More Affordable Housing: What Works and What Doesn’t"- Guests: CA State Auditor Elaine Howle; John Myers - LA Times; Dan Walters - CalMatters; Matt Levine - CalMatters; Dan Dunmoyer - California Building Industry Association. Host: Maddy Institute Executive Director, Mark Keppler.
AGRICULTURE/FOOD
Central Valley wine proves perfect at international competition
Business Journal
There’s a lot of good wine out there, but laying claim to a perfect wine is no easy feat. One Central Valley winemaker can do just that with a resounding performance at the Sunset Magazine International Wine Competition.
Madera County sees drop in farm revenue for 2020
Business Journal
Madera County is reporting an overall loss in ag income for 2020. Madera County is ranked No. 10 in California with ag production last year valued at $1.95 billion, a decrease of $52.03 million — 2.6% — year over year.
How Much Legal Cannabis Is In California? It’s A State Secret.
Forbes
Though every other agricultural sector enjoys data on crops harvested and sold—and this informs decisions made by industry players—state law prohibits the Department of Cannabis Control from sharing this vital data.
Scorching Heat Is Killing America's Farmworkers
Pew Trusts
Federal regulators have issued no standards to protect workers from heat-related hazards, even as climate change increases the risk of deadly heat waves and extreme weather conditions. Some states are stepping in.
Opinion: A Retreat on Racial Preferences
Wall Street Journal
The Biden Administration has been losing in court on its racially biased policies, and last week something remarkable happened. The Justice Department declined to appeal a federal court injunction against a discriminatory loan-forgiveness program for farmers.
See also:
· Black U.S. farmers awaiting billions in promised debt relief AP
CRIMINAL JUSTICE/FIRE/PUBLIC SAFETY
Crime:
Fake student bot accounts at Calif colleges tied to suspected COVID-19 relief scam
Los Angeles Times
The California Community Colleges system is investigating potentially widespread fraud involving fake “bot students” enrolled in active courses in what officials suspect is a scam to obtain financial aid or COVID-19 relief grants.
Washington Post
In all, the federal agency tallied 7,759 hate crimes last year, a tumultuous 12 months marked by a global pandemic, a divisive presidential election and upheaval in the economy.
See also:
● U.S. Hate Crimes Rose in 2020 With Jumps in Racially Motivated Incidents Wall Street Journal
Public Safety:
California to temporarily close all but one of its national forests because of fire risk
Visalia Times Delta
All of California's national forests but one, including those in Southern California, will be closed due to the state’s numerous wildfires under an order issued Monday by the U.S. Forest Service.
See also:
● French, Walkers fires grow as USDA shutters all California national forests, Sequoia included Visalia Times Delta
● With California’s national forests closed, some Fresno-area mountains and events remain open Fresno Bee
Fire:
Interactive map shows where every wildfire is burning in California
Fresno Bee
This interactive map shows where major fires are burning in California and the rest of the nation, including updates on the Caldor Fire burning near Lake Tahoe.
See also:
● California wildfires map Los Angeles Times
● French Fire 40% contained as firefight turns a 'corner' Bakersfield Californian
● Newsom calls Caldor Fire the ‘No. 1 priority’ for California as flames approach South Lake Tahoe Sacramento Bee
● Live Updates: Caldor Fire burns close to South Lake Tahoe; heavy winds still in forecast Modesto Bee
● Caldor fire pushes toward Nevada, South Lake Tahoe still under threat Los Angeles Times
● ‘Unprecedented’ Caldor, Dixie fires are the first to burn from one side of the Sierra to the other Los Angeles Times
● As Caldor fire closes in on Lake Tahoe, crews scramble to prevent worst-case scenario Los Angeles Times
● To Save Lake Tahoe, They Spared No Expense. The Fire Came Over the Ridge Anyway. New York Times
● As Caldor Fire Spreads, Lake Tahoe Area Is on High Alert Wall Street Journal
To Stop Extreme Wildfires, California Is Learning From ... Florida?
NPR
In early May, flames began to spread through a pine forest, consuming a dense carpet of leaves and underbrush. The burn was the definition of a "good fire," intentionally ignited to clear vegetation that could fuel future infernos.
Wildfire Terms Defined: What It Means When a Blaze Is “30% Contained”
New York Times
When fire officials report that a fire is, say, 30 percent contained, that means that 30 percent of the blaze’s boundary is hemmed in by barriers like rivers, streams, interstate highways or areas that are already scorched
ECONOMY/JOBS
Economy:
California Defies Doom With No. 1 U.S. Economy
Bloomberg
When misfortunes multiplied during the coronavirus pandemic, observers seized on a four-letter word signaling end of days for the largest state with one-eighth the U.S. population and 14% of its gross domestic product.
See also:
● Opinion: Calif Business Headquarters Now Leaving Twice As Fast, With No End In Sight Hoover Institution
Lithium fuels hopes for revival on California’s largest lake
AP News
California’s largest but rapidly shrinking lake is at the forefront of efforts to make the U.S. a major global player in production of the ultralight metal.
Americans Are Stocking Up on Toilet Paper Again
Wall Street Journal
Procter & Gamble Co. , the biggest U.S. manufacturer of toilet paper and paper towels, said it is ramping up production as demand increases. The moves come as several retailers said P&G is limiting shipments of paper products to stores.
Jobs:
Q&A: Unemployment Insurance, Labor Day Cliff & the Costs of Unemployment
California Budget and Policy Center
Millions of California workers turned to unemployment insurance benefits over the last 18 months after suddenly losing their jobs – a reality that can hit workers, families, and communities, pandemic or not.
See also:
● Modernizing Employer Payroll Taxes & Covering the True Costs of Unemployment Benefits for Workers California Budget and Policy Center
● States That Cut Unemployment Benefits Saw Limited Impact on Job Growth Wall Street Journal
● Millions Will Lose Unemployment Benefits. That Doesn't Mean They'll Return To Work VPR
● Millions of Americans will lose unemployment benefits this weekend CNBC
● Policies to help the working class in the aftermath of COVID-19: Lessons from the Great Recession American Enterprise Institute
Walters: ‘Grand bargain’ of workers’ compensation under siege
CalMatters
Legislation and a pending lawsuit could make big changes in California’s 108-year-old system of compensating workers for job-related illnesses and injuries.
‘The algorithm fired me’: California bill takes on Amazon’s notorious work culture
Los Angeles Times
An Assembly-passed bill is expected to reach the Senate floor this week or next to crack down on the opaque, algorithm-led and harsh warehouse work conditions often attributed to the Seattle technology behemoth.
Axios
A majority of employees around the world say they're choosing their jobs based not just on salaries and benefits, but also social impact and their personal beliefs, according to new data.
Biz owners: Sleep on the Employee Retention Tax Credit at your own risk
Business Journal
Originally, businesses that received PPP funds were not eligible for the ERTC, but after the COVID relief bill was passed, eligible employers that received PPP loans were able to claim the ERTC for qualified wages paid after March 12, 2020, and before Jan. 1, 2021.
EDUCATION
K-12:
Former student, advocate for people of color is Modesto schools’ new equity specialist
Modesto Bee
A former student has returned to Modesto City Schools in a newly created position to help school leaders advance their equity goals and build relationships with families of color.
Terry Slatic accuses Fresno school leaders of failing to protect teachers, violating laws
Fresno Bee
In a statement to reporters, Trustee Terry Slatic said he filed a formal complaint with the Fresno County District Attorney’s Public Integrity Unit, accusing Superintendent Bob Nelson and four trustees of violating California education laws related to student privacy.
Not enough subs: California schools face severe teacher shortage
CalMatters
Long underpaid and underappreciated, substitute teachers are key to keeping schools open this year. But a shortage of subs has created another layer of chaos to this pandemic school year.
Editorial: Delta variant put school reopening in a quandary. Here’s how to fix it
Los Angeles Times
The start of California’s new school year hasn’t been going as we’d all hoped. If there’s any “fault” involved here, it’s in the ability of viruses to mutate — in this case, the Delta variant of the coronavirus spread so quickly it left school administrators little time for planning.
See also:
● L.A. teachers union calls for vaccination mandate for eligible students, stricter quarantines Los Angeles Times
State mask bans face federal civil rights inquiries
Fresno Bee
The Education Department opened civil rights investigations into five Republican-led states that have banned or limited mask requirements in schools, saying the policies could amount to discrimination against students with disabilities or health conditions.
See also:
● Education Dept. Announces Civil Rights Investigations Into 5 States' Mask Mandate Bans VPR
● Education Department to Investigate Five States That Ban Mask Mandates in Schools Wall Street Journal
● Editorial: The Covid Civil-Rights Mask Wall Street Journal
● Opinion: Masks Turn Democrats in Favor of School Choice Wall Street Journal
First person: Virus protocols add hours to some school pickups
Axios
Schools restarting across the U.S. are juggling mask mandates and COVID-19 testing requirements. But in my daughters' first three weeks back, I've become familiar with another headache: the three hours it now takes each day for drop-offs and pickups.
High school transition programs have mixed success in improving college readiness
Brookings
The design and implementation of these interventions vary, but they typically consist of a universal screener for college readiness administered in grade 11, a transition curriculum, and an exit evaluation.
Opinion: Many teachers care about viewpoint diversity; we need to support them
American Enterprise Institute
While it’s tempting to blame teachers for a culture of self-induced silence, parents, communities, and politicos alike should be holding school boards and administrators — those responsible for the curriculum in high schools — answerable for the current mess.
Higher Ed:
The Maddy Institute
On September 13, Robert Maxim, Senior Research Associate in the Brookings Metropolitan Policy Program, will discuss how regional public universities can have a large role in economic growth.
23 Cal State Student body presidents share how they’re working to stop racial hate.
CSUniverse
Student body presidents share how they’re working to stop racial hate, including Student Body Presidents of CSU Bakersfield, Fresno State, and Stanislaus State.
Cal State's incoming freshman Class of 2025 key to meeting system's graduation goals
EdSource
For California State University, this fall’s incoming Class of 2025 is particularly important. That’s because of a 10-year plan — known as Graduation Initiative 2025 — that started in 2015 to increase freshman and transfer students’ graduation rates across all 23 campuses.
Full FDA Approval Triggers More Universities To Require The COVID-19 Vaccine
VPR
It's been a week since the FDA announced full approval of Pfizer's COVID-19 vaccine, and the decision has opened the door for colleges and universities to require the vaccine for their campuses.
Assaults on campus speech are indeed snowballing
American Enterprise Institute
The number of professors, graduate students, and instructors subject to formal complaints shot up fourfold between 2015 and 2020 and the number subjected to petitions increased more than tenfold over that same stretch.
ENVIRONMENT/ENERGY
Environment:
Appeals court rules against Valley ozone plan
Bakersfield Californian
Federal approval of a 2019 contingency measure for cutting ozone emissions in the Central Valley has been rejected by an appellate court, which called the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's acceptance of the provision "arbitrary and capricious."
See also:
● The Air Quality Index Explained: What It Means and How to Stay Safe New York Times
Rare California red fox added to endangered species list in ongoing extinction crisis
Fresno Bee
In the midst of a climate crisis in California, another species has been added to the endangered species list: the Sierra Nevada red fox, a subspecies of red foxes found only in California.
Energy:
Wind energy installation hit record in 2020, amounting to 42% of new power
Los Angeles Times
The U.S. installed a record amount of wind energy generating capacity last year, adding nearly 17,000 megawatts of power on land, according to an Energy Department report being released Monday.
Energy Traders See Big Money in Carbon-Emissions Markets
Wall Street Journal
Big energy trading houses, long focused on deep, volatile markets such as oil and natural gas, are now bulking up their carbon-trading operations as governments around the world push to expand the market for trading carbon emissions.
HEALTH/HUMAN SERVICES
Health:
Covid-19 Booster Shots Get Support From Expert Panel
Wall Street Journal
Health experts advising the U.S. government on vaccines expressed initial support for giving booster shots to people vaccinated against Covid-19, starting with healthcare workers, nursing-home residents and others immunized earliest.
See also:
● Joe Rogan falsely says mRNA vaccines are ‘gene therapy’ PolitiFact
● Immunity To COVID-19 Could Last Longer Than You'd Think VPR
● Anti-vaccine forces pushing ivermectin. It can be toxic, dangerous, officials say Los Angeles Times
● A Vaccine For Children Is Not Likely To Be Approved Until The End Of Year NPR
● Most kids hospitalized with post-COVID syndrome recover well within a year, study says Fresno Bee
For Labor Day Travel, Keep Up With the Covid-19 Mandates
Wall Street Journal
If you plan to hit the road or take to the skies over the holiday weekend, travel agents say you should plan ahead and keep an eye on changing vaccine and mask-wearing regulations at your destination.
How to keep the air in your home clean when there’s wildfire smoke outside
Los Angeles Times
Wildfires are expected in California’s dry summer and fall seasons. But Jo Kay Ghosh, health effects officer for the South Coast Air Quality Management District, said wildfires — and the resulting smoke — are now possible any time of year.
Are your Fresno County children exposed to lead at home? Here's how to get help
Fresno Bee
Many children living in Fresno County's poorest neighborhoods are exposed to poisonous lead at home. County officials identify the hazards during routine home inspections, but the risk often remains unabated because families cannot afford to remove the contamination.
Human Services:
Rural Hospitals Can’t Find the Nurses They Need to Fight COVID
Pew
Thousands of hospitals are overwhelmed with critically ill patients, prompting overburdened nurses to change careers or retire early. Shortages are particularly dire in rural areas because of the aging workforce and population, smaller salaries and intense workload.
See also:
● Children's Hospitals Are Pleading For Federal Help To Deal With A Capacity Crisis VPR
Cities Add Emergency Facilities for Mental-Health Patients
Wall Street Journal
Emergency facilities dedicated to mental-health patients are sprouting up across the U.S. to handle psychological trauma exacerbated by the Covid-19 pandemic. Some new facilities dedicated to mental health act like urgent-care cent ers.
The telehealth revolution holds promise of a new era in health care
Business Journal
The California Health Care Foundation recently hosted a discussion about telehealth – how it worked during the pandemic and what’s in store for the future. Most clinics did not offer video visits before the pandemic, but it grew exponentially during the pandemic.
IMMIGRATION
California Democrats want to expand sanctuary state law, but police unions are pushing back
Fresno Bee
California Democrats want to make more immigrants eligible for protection under the so-called sanctuary state law by closing exemptions that allow local law enforcement agencies to participate in the deportation of people accused of certain crimes.
LAND USE/HOUSING
Land Use:
City of Fresno works to revitalize downtown by tackling vacant buildings, businesses not up to code
abc30
After a vacant building ordinance was implemented in August, the city has started putting vacant building owners on notice. The owners have been given information on what will be expected of them as inspections are set to begin in September.
All national forests in Calif closed to visitors. No Labor Day camping, hiking, biking
Fresno Bee
With fires raging across the state, the USDA Forest Service is closing all 20 million acres of California’s national forests to public access for two weeks beginning Tuesday.
See also:
● Every National Forest In California Is Closing Because Of Wildfire Risk VPR
● Forest Service officials confirm all California national forests to temporarily close Los Angeles Times
Housing:
Fresno rent prices continue to soar in August, report says
abc30
Rent prices continue to climb in Fresno, with the city seeing a 1.4% rise in August. In August, the average for a one-bedroom apartment was $1,141. Over the past year, Fresno rent prices have grown 24.1%.
Bills to increase housing density in California head to Newsom
San Francisco Chronicle
Gov. Gavin Newsom will decide whether to loosen zoning rules in California to allow duplexes and lot splitting in residential neighborhoods across the state.
See also:
● Who pays the price for California’s affordable housing? Mercury News
● California’s housing crisis: How much difference will a zoning bill make? CalMatters
● What could the end of single-family zoning mean for California’s affordable housing crisis? CalMatters
● Commentary: To house the homeless, California must re-imagine housing CalMatters
● After Years of Failure, California Lawmakers Pave the Way for More Housing New York Times
Here’s how the recall candidates say they’d boost housing production in California
Los Angeles Times
California’s housing shortage has become a focal point of the race to replace Gov. Gavin Newsom, as candidates vow to turbo-charge home building by slashing bureaucratic hurdles for developers and streamlining construction approvals.
California’s Plan to Make New Buildings Greener Will Also Raise Costs
New York Times
A recent building code change for new construction could reduce emissions by requiring use of solar panels and batteries, raising prices in an already expensive state.
Senior Housing Industry Faces Higher Costs as It Plays Lead Role in Vaccine Mandates
Wall Street Journal
The senior housing business, which was one of the hardest-hit commercial property sectors early in the pandemic, is now getting hammered by rising labor costs as it takes a lead role in mandating vaccines for employees.
White House to Unveil Steps Aimed at Easing Housing Supply Shortage
Wall Street Journal
The Biden administration is poised to unveil a series of steps aimed at addressing the U.S. shortage of entry-level homes and rental properties, according to people familiar with the matter, moves designed to boost their financing and construction over the coming years.
U.S. Home-Price Growth Rose to Record in June
Wall Street Journal
The S&P CoreLogic Case-Shiller National Home Price Index rose 18.6% in the year that ended in June, up from a 16.8% annual rate the prior month. June marked the highest annual rate of price growth since the index began in 1987.
PUBLIC FINANCES
Tulare will see federal funding, plans to boost infrastructure and address homelessness
Visalia Times Delta
Tulare County received $90.5 million from ARPA, some of which will go to Tulare. Tulare has already received 50 percent of $18 million, all part of the $1.9 trillion coronavirus relief plan, which provides $65.1 billion in direct funding to every county in the nation.
Study: Proposed Biden tax plan would cut taxes for average Tulare County taxpayer
Visalia Times Delta
The average taxpayer in the three Congressional Districts that comprise parts of Tulare County would see a decrease in taxes if President Joe Biden’s tax plan passes, a study by the Tax Foundation has found.
SEIU Local 1000 board members move to strip union president of power, pick new leader
Sacramento Bee
A leadership struggle at California’s largest state employee union could soon come to a head as board members push a proposal to strip the organization’s elected president of most of his powers and replace him with a leader chosen by the board.
See also:
● How much do California state workers get paid? Search public salaries in our database Sacramento Bee
Social Security Costs Expected to Exceed Total Income in 2021 as Covid-19 Takes Financial Toll
Wall Street Journal
The severe economic downturn caused by the Covid-19 pandemic last year weighed on the financial health of Social Security, but not nearly as much as many forecasters originally feared, according to new projections of the program’s finances.
See also:
● A New Report Says The COVID Recession Has Pushed Social Security Insolvency Up A Year VPR
Treasury Department Seeks Public Input on Insurance Companies’ Climate-Risk Data
Wall Street Journal
The Treasury Department is seeking public input on the effects of natural disasters and other climate-related risks to the insurance industry, the latest step the Biden administration has taken to tackle concerns posed by climate change.
TRANSPORTATION
Coalition urges Democrats to restore $10 billion in transit funding
The Hill
A coalition of trade associations, labor unions and environmental groups on Monday urged Democratic leaders to allocate an additional $10 billion for public transit in the party's $3.5 trillion budget reconciliation bill.
Caltrans seeks public input on rail, highway improvement strategy
Progressive Railroading
The California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) is soliciting public comment on the agency's latest draft plan for rail and highway improvements across different regions in the state.
WATER
Madera County residents and farmers face groundwater challenge of a lifetime
Fresno Bee
Madera County is running out of time as groundwater levels plummet to new depths. Wells are going dry everywhere. Drillers have months-long waitlists. Residents are scrambling for water tanks.
How drought pressured California to mandate consolidation, drinking water for Tooleville
Fresno Bee
Residents of this tiny, two-road farmworker community, tucked into the edge of the Sierra Nevada foothills in eastern Tulare County, have been living on bottled water since 2014 because its two wells are contaminated with hexavalent chromium.
Public Policy Institute of California
In California’s water market, buyers and sellers trade water through short- and long-term leases as well as permanent sales of their water rights. Trading enhances flexibility in water management.
Public Policy Institute of California
Recharge occurs when water seeps into the ground to replenish underground aquifers. Although some recharge happens incidentally—water flowing into the ground from rivers, unlined canals, or excess irrigation—intentional recharge can restore groundwater levels and store water for later use.
Years Later, California Voters Still Wait on Water Projects
U.S. News
It's been seven years since California voters agreed to borrow billions of dollars to build more water storage projects.
See also:
● California moves slowly on water projects amid drought Business Journal
“Xtra”
What’s open for Labor Day recreation despite closure of national forests in California
Modesto Bee
Camping, hiking and biking are still available on BLM land, at national parks, and some state parks and wildlife areas.
See also:
● With California’s national forests closed, some Fresno-area mountains and events remain open Fresno Bee
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